Physics · Light
Light and Shadows
Light travels in straight lines. When an opaque object blocks it, a dark shadow forms on the screen behind.
- Object height
- 20 cm
- Distance from torch
- 60 cm
- Shadow height
- 66.7 cm
Try this
- Move the object closer to the torch. What happens to the shadow?
- Move it close to the wall. Is the shadow bigger or smaller?
- Can you make the shadow exactly twice as tall as the object?
Key ideas
- Light travels in straight lines.
- Opaque objects block light and make shadows.
- The closer an object is to the light, the bigger its shadow.